Ireland launches first diaspora policy

Ireland on Tuesday launched its first diaspora policy to recognize the unique and important relationship between Ireland and its diaspora.

The policy document, Global Irish, is the first clear statement of the government's policy on the diaspora. It sets out actions to nurture and develop this relationship, and to engage the diaspora.

A number of new initiatives contained in the policy were outlined. They include a new Global Irish Media Fund to encourage and support media coverage of the diaspora and emigration experience, and, an alumni challenge fund to provide seed-funding to new collaborative initiatives by Irish institutions to target their Irish and non-Irish graduates working internationally.

It was also confirmed that there will be a fourth Global Irish Economic Forum to be held in Dublin in November 2015.

Implementation of the policy will be driven primarily by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in tandem with the network of embassies and consulates and in conjunction with the Department of the Prime Minister, the government said.

"I am particularly pleased to be launching this policy document at a time in this country when we are securing our recovery and Ireland has reclaimed its place in the world," Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said at the launch.

"Our key focus for this year is to ensure that more people throughout the country start to benefit through more jobs or improved income. We also want people to be able to come home. I want to see them playing their part in the rebuilding of our economy, bringing home their experience to take up some of the jobs that are now being created," he said.

"I believe that, after seven years of emigration, 2016 will be the year when the number of our people coming home, will be greater than the numbers who leave," he added. Enditem